§ MR. ALEXANDER M'ARTHUR, asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received information to the effect that the Governor of Natal, on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, has rejected the offer of the King of Swaziland to place himself under British protection; and, whether Her Majesty's Government is aware of negotiations said to be in progress with a view to the annexation of that district by the South African Republic?
§ BARON HENRY DE WORMSI do not understand what communication from the Governor of Natal to Chief Umbandine the hon. Member refers to; but Her Majesty's Government are precluded by the provisions of the London Convention of 1884 from declaring a protectorate over Swaziland, and they have no information of negotiations for the annexation of Swaziland to the South African Republic, which, they are advised, would be a breach of that Convention, although they have heard that the President expressed a wish to conclude a Treaty with Swaziland.